The Government of Madrid has announced a significant reduction in the number of land-based betting shops within the Spanish autonomous community, with a reported 60% decrease since 2019. The number of betting shops has dropped from 160 in that year to just 64 currently. Additionally, gambling saloons have seen a decreasing trend of 8%.
During a presentation to the plenary session of the Madrid Assembly, Carlos Novillo, the Minister of Environment, Interior, and Agriculture, highlighted the region’s standing in terms of gambling saloons per capita. Madrid ranks 14th out of the 17 autonomous communities and the two autonomous cities in Spain in terms of gambling saloons per 100,000 inhabitants.
Efforts in Regulation and Compliance
Carlos Novillo provided further insights, noting that the Madrid government has conducted an extensive number of inspections to ensure regulatory compliance. In 2023 alone, up to 27,000 inspections were carried out, with an additional 15,000 inspections conducted so far in 2024. These inspections have shown a decreasing balance of sanctions, which Novillo interprets as evidence of the sector’s adaptation and respect for the current regulations.
“The decreasing balance of sanctions indicates that the sector is adapting to regulation and is respecting it,” stated Novillo during his address. He emphasized that the efforts of the regional government to regulate and control the betting and gambling sector are bearing fruit.
Impact on Accessibility and Compliance
The reduction in the number of gambling establishments, alongside the decrease in sanctions, suggests a trend towards greater compliance by operators with the regulations imposed by the regional government. This compliance potentially leads to a decrease in the accessibility of these premises for residents of the Community of Madrid, contributing to a more controlled gambling environment.
Novillo concluded his remarks by reinforcing the positive outcomes of the regulatory measures, stating, “This trend suggests a greater compliance by operators with the regulations imposed, as well as a possible decrease in the accessibility of these premises for residents of the Community of Madrid.”
Additional Context from Regional Data
Supporting the minister’s statements, regional data indicates that the efforts of the Madrid government are effectively managing the gambling landscape. The comprehensive inspections and subsequent reduction in sanctions highlight the commitment to ensuring a responsible and regulated gambling environment.
As the Community of Madrid continues to monitor and regulate the sector, these measures demonstrate a proactive approach to managing the impacts of gambling on its residents. The government’s actions serve as a model for other regions aiming to balance industry growth with social responsibility.
Source: “La Comunidad de Madrid reduce un 60% las casas de apuestas desde 2019”. MadridActual. May 23, 2024.